PC Valve's Steam controller finalized, unveiled at GDC

[Thugnificent]

Official hi-res image of the controller.

EDIT: The image's res is actually bigger, go here to view it https://steamdb.info/static/img/blog/57/SteamController.0.jpg

Not sure why PG not showing full res.

 

[Necrokiller]

Yeah, let's forget that by adding an alternative to one of the trackpads and by adding face buttons in the traditional 4-button layout, they're actually moving farther away from their original design and vision for the controller.

Back when the original design was revealed, I vaguely recall someone at Valve boasting that the controller won't even need buttons because each of trackpads can function as 4 buttons. So much for that idea. Since its announcement, all the changes that have been incorporated into the controller have only made it similar to the traditional controller, and this is a fact.

I wouldn't call it backtrack unless they actually remove the track pads, which is still what sets it apart from traditional controllers, regardless of other additions, which like you said, are alternatives. If someone prefers, they can still customize the track pads for the face buttons. If anything, it caters to more people now than it did before without removing the essence of what makes it unique i.e. the dual track pads.
Not to mention, the ergonomics also seems to be nigh on identical to it's original design.



Sent from my XT1033

 

[BumperJumper]

Controller looks like shit. Not sure how it plays in hand.

 

[CerebralTiger]

I wouldn't call it backtrack unless they actually remove the track pads

Oh, I would. Valve backtracked on its original claim. Whether they retained the trackpads doesn't really have anything to do with it.

Where the two thumbsticks sit on a traditional gamepad, Valve's controller has a pair of circular, textured, concave, high-resolution, clickable trackpads that allow for "far higher fidelity input than has previously been possible with traditional handheld controllers" that "approaches that of a desktop mouse," Valve said.

"Traditional gamepads force us to accept compromises. We’ve made it a goal to improve upon the resolution and fidelity of input that’s possible with those devices," Valve wrote in its announcement. "The Steam controller offers a new and, we believe, vastly superior control scheme, all while enabling you to play from the comfort of your sofa."

Valve unveils touchpad/touchscreen-enabled Steam Controller for living room | Ars Technica

Why provide a lower fidelity input alternative now? Why offer a vastly inferior control scheme with a traditional button layout?

 

[Necrokiller]

Oh, I would. Valve backtracked on its original claim. Whether they retained the trackpads doesn't really have anything to do with it.



Valve unveils touchpad/touchscreen-enabled Steam Controller for living room | Ars Technica

Why provide a lower fidelity input alternative now? Why offer a vastly inferior control scheme with a traditional button layout?

Do you see the lower fidelity right thumb stick for aiming? Have they removed the left track pad in favor of the left thumb stuck?

The fact that the dual track pads are there means their original vision will not be compromised whatsoever.

Sent from my XT1033

 

[CerebralTiger]

Do you see the lower fidelity right thumb stick for aiming? Have they removed the left track pad in favor of the left thumb stuck?

They've provided alternatives that they saw as inferior. They backtracked on the idea that such additions weren't even needed to begin with; not even as an alternative.

 

[CerebralTiger]

Also,

If someone prefers, they can still customize the track pads for the face buttons.

are we sure that each trackpad is still the equivalent of 4 individual buttons?

For complex games such as Dragon Age: Inquisition or MOBAs considering controller support (I'm looking at you, League of Legends), the Steam Controller offers a lot of range, with six buttons along the back and shoulders; two large, clickable trackpads on the face; plus an analog stick; and standard A, X, Y and B buttons.

Valve's final Steam Controller is still missing something

 

[Necrokiller]

Oh, well, here I thought you saw the glass as half-full.

The track pads were the highlight of the controller for me and doesn't seem like thats gonna change now. I believe they are on the right track (pun intended) as far as evolution in controller design is concerned. And who would've thought Valve would lead the way in that department.

Customization options screen:

 

[CerebralTiger]

^ I do think the new design is for the better, and I'm genuinely interested in the controller now. All I'm saying is that Valve shouldn't have made negative claims about input schemes they ended up including in their controller.

Never mind, you just answered my question with that image lol

Clicking the right trackpad = clicking the right stick (RS, as seen in the image).

 

[Necrokiller]

Clicking the right trackpad = clicking the right stick (RS, as seen in the image).

"Style of input" option. It could possibly be under there, if that option is still available.

 

[TrueCoolGuy]

Dunno what you guys are talking about. Looks good to me. I want to try it out myself to see how functional those track pads are.

 

[LeGenD123]

I find claims of ugliness amusing. Since when are looks relevant for gaming sessions? Performance, build quality, and features are most important aspects of gaming hardware. For a new or revolutionary hardware design or concept, looks are secondary.

Once a new hardware design or concept achieves maturity in a span of years, its looks can be refined in revisions.

 

[Thugnificent]

It's only $50 too. That's pretty neat.

Steam Controller on Steam store page up already.

 

[Necrokiller]

It's only $50 too. That's pretty neat.

You're right. Thats $10 cheaper. All the more reason to buy this over an Xbone or PS4 controller for PC usage.

 

[Nekochan]

I wonder if it comes with an owl skin to make it look even more owlish.

 

[Spartan 117]

That track pad is my biggest issue with it. I just can't see how one analog stick and one track pad will be better than the usual two analog sticks, and that two in that weird position.

But who knows, maybe it works great. Will wait and see how it performs, then I might buy it, need a controller for PC anyway (for racing, action and fighting games).

 

[Necrokiller]

That track pad is my biggest issue with it. I just can't see how one analog stick and one track pad will be better than the usual two analog sticks, and that two in that weird position.

What makes the dual analog sticks configuration poor is the right stick, which is responsible for controlling the camera and aiming, the substitute for which is the track pad.

Sent from my XT1033

 

[Spartan 117]

What makes the dual analog sticks configuration poor is the right stick, which is responsible for controlling the camera and aiming, the substitute for which is the track pad.

Sent from my XT1033

This just looks more poor to me. I just can't seem to see how a track pad will be an improvement. And again in that position.

Just have to wait and see how it is in action.

 

[Nekochan]

I'm still not sold on the track pads, will have to try it out once. I really like how it looks, though. (OvO)

 

[sunnykhan]

wow touch controller

I'm loving it
NOT